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GoBeyond The Typical Adventure About GoBeyond

Our Impact

The President’s Volunteer Service Award

of foreign lands, epic sunsets or exhilarating adventure activities, yet for our alumni

Our Global Destinations

who have experienced it and keep coming back for more, the appeal goes far deeper.

Interests

If you’re exploring GoBeyond for the very first time, you may be attracted by pictures

Fred DeVito once wrote, “If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you”, and this sentiment speaks to the core of what we believe. At GoBeyond, we create Journeys. While a trip is predictable, a journey is an exciting voyage, oftentimes outside of one’s comfort zone to experience new places, diﬀerent cultures and alternative perspectives. A journey also holds real potential for discovering much about yourself, your beliefs and what you hold important in life. Beyond experiencing the adventure of a lifetime and contributing to positive change in the world, I hope that at some point you’ll feel challenged. We believe that overcoming these challenges will help shape you as a person and lead to empowerment.

The GoBeyond course design is multifaceted, highly experiential and, with authentic service at its core, makes a meaningful diﬀerence in the communities we serve. By encouraging reflection and debate within a supportive small group setting, our students are given a framework to build on their journey.

GoBeyond your borders - GoBeyond what you thought yourself capable of GoBeyond your expectations... Where will your journey take you?

Journey Overviews Australia Reef To Rainforest Adventure

British Virgin Islands Preserving Paradise

Rebuilding Island Life

China Orphans Of Beĳing

Costa Rica Pura Vida Experience

Coast To Coast Immersion

Galapagos & Ecuador Islands, Andes & Amazon

Protecting Darwin’s Discoveries

Iceland Inspiring Iceland

India Tibetan Village Experience

Peru Footsteps Of The Inca

Sacred Valley Service

Spain Real España

Sri Lanka – Mike Meighan, Co-Founder & Executive Director

Plight Of The Elephants

GoBeyond Staﬀ

How To Enroll

About GoBeyond Backed by over 40 years of experience oﬀering educational programs for youth, GoBeyond, the teen adventure service arm of Global Expeditions Group, oﬀers worldwide programs for teens ages 14-18, which combine international community service projects with cultural immersion, travel and outdoor adventure.

”

I know I will reflect on our days and the lessons I’ve learned at Casa Mantay, and I trust everyone else in the group will do the same. Peru is a beautiful country, diverse and colorful, breathtaking and awe inspiring; however, places such as this home for adolescent mothers remind us all of the fragility of life and the issues that lie beneath the beauty of all things. Our time here seems to define our voyage-travels are not simply to see beautiful things, or mark on a map which wonders we’ve visited. They are meant to open our minds, expand our horizons, so that we may be keenly aware of our world, of its treasures

”

and its hardships.

Cameron C., Laurel Hollow, NY

GoBeyond is about working toward positive change. We feel that taking action as an agent for effecting change can help make a lasting difference. Whether in the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Central or South America, we work in collaboration with local, national and international service organizations to further their goals and aspirations. These relationships enable students to become part of significant, well-established local projects while gaining firsthand knowledge specific to the region and culture in which they are living. Skills and learning are fostered through hands-on participation. Each program location offers a distinctive focus. Team building, leadership and selfreliance development are natural parts of living and working in close community with common goals. All programs focus on these and are further enhanced during the Lifeworks Forum. Unique to GoBeyond is that, when our time is up, we are able to offer financial help with a direct donation to the service organizations with which we have worked. This helps fund these and other projects in an ongoing way. Additionally, many U.S. students are enrolled in the President’s Volunteer Service Award program — an official recognition system originated by President George Bush, Sr. in 1992, for outstanding students who participate in voluntary community service. While taking part in a GoBeyond project, you are guaranteed to grow from your experience and develop a sense of achievement by doing things of which you never thought yourself capable. It might be from the broadening of knowledge gained through interacting with new people from different cultures or from the feeling that you are doing your part to help. You might also acquire a greater appreciation for the world in which you live and the things that you hold important in your life.

+1.941.924.2115

800.808.2115

Our Impact We believe in each individual’s unique potential to aﬀect positive change, so in bringing together teams of talented and driven young adults, we amplify our ability to create a positive ripple eﬀect that we hope will continue long after our journey concludes.

Alumni Impact 91% INCREASED GLOBAL AWARENESS

Beyond experiencing the adventure of a lifetime and creating lasting memories, we believe that GoBeyond journeys enable lasting positive change in the world.

Global Impact ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT

96% INCREASED SELF-CONFIDENCE

98% DEVELOPED SKILLS THEY USE TODAY

87% BECAME MORE RESPONSIBLE

17,116+

Service Hours

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

WILDLIFE STEWARDSHIP

As parents ourselves, we understand that you want your kids to grow to be independent; capable of making positive choices that enable them to maximize their strengths, overcome their weaknesses and reach their fullest potential. Perhaps our hope for their happiness and success is at its strongest as kids reach the formative teen years. This is a pivotal time in their lives because these experiences and influences build the bridge from the children they once were to the adults they will become. At GoBeyond, we provide our students with the tools they need to build a strong foundation for this transition. We do this by creating an environment that promotes self-discovery as well as social, emotional and intellectual growth. Our journeys may vary in destination and focus, yet all are built around the same core principles and philosophy. The result? GoBeyond promises to deliver an experience that will provide opportunities to learn, grow and develop skills that have a lasting educational impact. INFO @ GOBEYONDTRAVEL.COM

The President’s Volunteer Service Award

”

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, that’s the only thing that

”

ever has.

Margaret Mead

GoBeyond is a certifying organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Award. The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation established the award program as a way to thank and honor U.S. citizens who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service. It is an increasingly competitive world, one where college admissions directors and potential employers look beyond the grades of students to the experiences that have shaped them. GoBeyond oﬀers a unique and extraordinary experience that stands out on college applications and resumes. As an inspiration for school essays, video projects and more, many alumni credit GoBeyond with giving them the “leg up” in the application process. By participating in select journeys, most GoBeyond students earn an impressive number of community service hours. After completion of summer, all students (U.S. and non-U.S. students alike) receive a GoBeyond service letter reflecting their participation on the journey. The GoBeyond service letter describes the type of service work performed, the number of hours awarded, and is printed and signed on our letterhead. Additionally, GoBeyond is able to award the President’s Volunteer Service Award to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who qualify based on his/her age and the number of service hours accrued during the journey (14-15 year olds need 50+ hours, 16-18 year olds need 100+ hours). PVSA recipients receive a personalized Certificate of Award, the oﬃcial President’s Volunteer Service Award lapel pin and a congratulatory letter from the President of the United States. Whether applying for college or a job, the President’s Volunteer Service Award is a strong testament to what you have achieved and who you are as an individual.

learn more about the president’s volunteer service award online at: www.presidentialserviceawards.gov

+1.941.924.2115

800.808.2115

”

Our goal was for Alex to challenge himself with a new experience, in a new place, with new people. GoBeyond seems to have “over delivered” on our expectations which is a rarity these days. He had a wonderful time and has learned many new things, including a lot about himself. Thanks to all

”

involved in the program.

Ms. Betty G., Richmond, VA

Big thanks to all of our staﬀ & alumni for helping to make a diﬀerence!

INFO @ GOBEYONDTRAVEL.COM

Our Global Destinations GoBeyond, along with our teen adventure program, , oﬀers programs that span the globe. Whether you are looking to work with underprivileged children in Peru, tag sea

The British Virgin Islands

Find out why they call them “nature’s little secrets.” Work directly with the resilient people of the British Virgin Islands to conserve this tropical paradise or rebuild the communities damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017. oﬀers sailing and scuba diving adventure programs in the British Virgin Islands with an emphasis on watersports training as well as tropical marine biology. www.actionquest.com

Costa Rica

Fortune favors the bold. Discover the meaning of “Pura Vida” as you help to fight poverty and immerse yourself in Costa Rican daily life. Build, explore, eat, repeat in a perfect balance of adrenaline spiking adventures and meaningful service work.

Galapagos & Ecuador

Discover nature in its purest form. Walk in the footsteps of pioneers and explorers like Charles Darwin. Your conservation eﬀorts will help you discover the diversity of this colorful region through exploration of its island, jungle, and mountain vistas.

Peru

Ancient beauty meets modern brawn. Depart from the beaten path and discover a side of the Andes high country that few people get to experience. Invest your time in the environment and the next generation of Peru’s underserved populations.

Iceland

Everyone is kind in the land of fire and ice. Earn 30 hours of community service restoring and protecting the other-worldly environment of Iceland. You’ll explore some of the world’s most unique natural wonders and get to know this one-of-a-kind culture in the land of the midnight sun.

turtles in the Caribbean, scuba dive on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef or sail aboard a tall ship in the Mediterranean, we are sure to have a program that will surpass your expectations.

India

“Be kind whenever possible, it is always possible.” Earn 100 service hours by teaching English to the Tibetan refugee population in the home of the Dalai Lama. Become a part of northern India’s cultural melting pot and spread compassion in the foothills of the Himalayas.

China

Live and let live in the Far East. Whether you’re staring at 8,000 Terracotta soldiers or into the eyes of one orphaned child, inspiration is the backbone of this journey. Earn 100 hours of lifechanging service and immerse yourself in China’s culture while enriching the lives of its orphaned children.

Sri Lanka

Earn 50 hours of community service working with the jungles, plains, communities and people of Sri Lanka to protect one of the world’s largest endangered species. Contribute to real field research and meaningfully connect with aﬀected communities as you become immersed in addressing a now-or-never issue.

Australia

You’ll never get over the land down under. Revel in all that Australia has to oﬀer by catching waves at Manly Beach, diving or snorkeling the stunning Great Barrier Reef and much more. Get a chance to earn 20 hours of service and make a positive impact in Australia’s rainforest.

learn more about our programs at www.actionquest.com

Spain

Immerse yourself where modernity and tradition meet. Experience southern Spain through authentic language courses and the perfect blend of adventure, service, culture, and touring. New food, new friends, and a lot of fun await you in Andalusia! 7

Interests Are you searching for something more than just a summer trip? Are you looking to travel with real purpose? By going out into the world, you’re guaranteed to see, experience, and learn a lot. You can’t always predict what these things might be but at the very least you can choose which direction you want to head. Humanitarian Support Have you been described as a “people person?” Are you looking for a program that allows you to help others through genuine connections? GoBeyond students can foster those connections with people of all ages from all over the world. Whether working with orphans, refugees, families or entire communities – you can help the plight of the impoverished and misplaced through the diverse interactions our programs facilitate. From orphanages in China to palm hut schools in the Amazon rainforest; from exiled communities in India to barrios in Costa Rica; you can start to make a difference in the lives of others by simply being there. Infrastructure Development Want to get your hands dirty? We’ve cleared land, painted murals, dug wells, built schools, playgrounds, community centers, and more. The list of places our students have helped to improve is endless. Over time, even the small things have had a huge impact on the communities we work with. Give your strength, give your creativity, and at the end of a project you’ll have tangible evidence of a job well done. Environmental Conservation The health of our planet’s environment affects everyone. Since ecosystems rarely show signs of distress before catastrophic failure, we work with organizations on the cutting edge of conservation and research to fight the degradation of the natural world. Remove invasive species in the Galapagos, plant trees in the Amazon rainforest, and help fight pollution on the beaches of the Caribbean. GoBeyond journeys allow you to gain hands on experience with fieldwork as you and your team contribute to critical environmental research and conservation efforts. Wildlife Stewardship At least 200 species of animals become extinct every year. Between loss of habitat, environmental changes, and human interference, wildlife and biodiversity are undeniably threatened all over the world. Since humans cause many of the threats animals face, it’s up to us to help mitigate those threats as well. Get up close and personal with this planet’s astounding wildlife and lend a helping hand to the international organizations working directly with these dwindling populations. You’ll get hands on by feeding, tagging, releasing, and interacting with some of the world’s most critically endangered species. Lend your heart and mind to these astounding creatures and you’ll gain more than you could ever expect.

+1.941.924.2115

800.808.2115

Though all of our programs are designed to provide unforgettable experiences, each journey has a unique approach that tailors to a participant’s individual interests. A trip with GoBeyond can open eyes, foster curiosity, and broaden horizons. Where will your journey take you?

Language Immersion First language, second nature. There’s no better way to connect with people of diﬀerent cultures than by learning their language in their country. Whether you’ve studied a language your entire life or you’re building the foundation of something new, communicating in novel ways is always gratifying. GoBeyond journeys provide opportunities to speak, understand, and be understood – whether that’s fine-tuning conversational skills in Peru, vocabulary homework in Spain, or simply learning how to pronounce an Icelandic street name. Cultural Exploration Get an insider’s perspective of your new home away from home. GoBeyond journeys bring you straight to the heart of cultures and allow you to immerse yourself in the past, present, and future of the society you’re visiting. Break away from the crowds of tourists and genuinely connect with local people. Whether learning Spanish in your Costa Rican homestay or forming a close bond with a Tibetan living in exile, you’re bound to experience the kindness of others. Explore world heritage sites, learn the language, and try the food – there’s no greater adventure than discovering the world through the eyes of others. Hiking & Walking Tours One foot in front of the other. What better way to experience a new place than to walk directly into it? GoBeyond students can navigate remote backcountry for days at a time or just meander in city centers for the afternoon. You can hike in the footsteps of an ancient civilization to Machu Picchu, stroll through the massive temples of Sri Lanka, and everything in-between. Follow our experienced and knowledgeable guides to take it all in on your own two feet. Water Sports Hold your breath and jump in – take on the water in all its radical forms. Sail the Caribbean, raft through the Andes, swim in mountain hot springs, and try your hand at water skiing over crystal clear water. Whether you’re training your sea legs in open water or fighting your way downstream high on a mountain, aquatic adventures await in several GoBeyond journeys. Land Sports More of a land mammal? Try zip-lining through Costa Rican cloud forests, horseback riding in Ecuador, mountain biking in Peru, or playing soccer with very skilled local kids. Get in touch with your inner adrenaline junkie for an experience you’ll never forget.

INFO @ GOBEYONDTRAVEL.COM

Australia Reef To Rainforest Adventure Discover Australia, one of the most environmentally and socially unique places on earth. Whether you’re living aboard a yacht sailing the magnificent Whitsunday Islands, visiting the iconic Sydney Opera House, or getting up-close-and-personal with wildlife at the Billabong Wildlife Sanctuary, you won’t have time to digest one amazing moment before another sneaks up on you. While you explore, earn meaningful community service hours aiding Kuranda Envirocare in rebuilding the rainforest one plant at a time.

Service / Focus HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION WILDLIFE STEWARDSHIP LANGUAGE IMMERSION

Adventure CULTURAL EXPLORATION HIKING & WALKING TOURS WATER SPORTS

Days

Service

Ages

Group Size

20 hours

15 - 18

12 typical

LAND SPORTS

Environment URBAN RURAL MOUNTAINS OCEAN

For dates & tuition fees, please see insert.

RAINFOREST +1.941.924.2115

800.808.2115

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS REEF TO RAINFOREST ADVENTURE

Sydney Exploration & Touring Stroll through the botanical gardens, climb the pylons of Sydney Harbour Bridge, visit the iconic Sydney Opera House and maybe even catch an Aussie Rules Football match. There is a lot to see in this vibrant city!

Sailing & Scuba Diving Excursions Embark on a 3-day voyage on a liveaboard sail yacht, crewed by a professional captain and first mate. You will learn the basics of sailing while exploring the picturesque Whitsunday islands. On another 3-day excursion, explore one of the wonders of the natural world, the Great Barrier Reef. With over 3,000 individual reef systems, the Great Barrier Reef will allow you to see an incredible variety of marine life.

Kuranda Service Work Amidst the nonstop fun and adventure, take a few days to give back by participating in hands-on fieldwork in the Rainforest of Kuranda with Kuranda Envirocare. Learn how to monitor re-vegetation plots by taking measurements and planting along one of several wildlife corridors. You and your group will also survey threatened wildlife through late-night frog surveys to monitor long-term changes in population.

INFO @ GOBEYONDTRAVEL.COM

“GoBeyond will forever be our daughter’s childhood memory - it’s an experience that is so far beyond anything we could have come up with. Every year has been amazing!” LAURA D.

Have questions? Give us a call at +1.941.924.2115

ST. SIMON’S ISLAND, GA

British Virgin Islands Preserving Paradise Explore and protect some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful and threatened natural resources while living aboard a ~50-foot sailing yacht in the picturesque British Virgin Islands. Tag sea turtles, clean and restore the marine environment, and act as a role model for local school children while you and your crew connect with the islands in ways that no tourist ever could. Service and adventure blend seamlessly through meaningful projects and authentic once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Service / Focus HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION WILDLIFE STEWARDSHIP LANGUAGE IMMERSION

Adventure CULTURAL EXPLORATION HIKING & WALKING TOURS WATER SPORTS

Days

Service

Ages

Group Size

17 & 21

80 & 100 hours

14 - 18

14 typical

LAND SPORTS

Environment URBAN RURAL MOUNTAINS OCEAN

For dates & tuition fees, visit gobeyondtravel.com

RAINFOREST +1.941.924.2115

800.808.2115

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS PRESERVING PARADISE

The Need We Address The British Virgin Islands are well known for their astonishing natural beauty and pristine marine environment. Their location within the Tradewinds and Atlantic currents give the wind shaped hills an almost fantastic appearance. The sheltered waters, breath-taking beaches, and robust forests provide an ideal waypoint for many threatened animals at vulnerable points in their life cycle. These same features also make the islands sensitive to small changes in the environment. Marine ecosystems are particularly fragile and human interference has strained the delicate balance that has been at work since the archipelago’s formation. Add to that a convoluted history of colonialism as well as an ever expanding economic reliance on tourism, and you have an ecosystem and culture at a pivotal fork in the road. We partner with local organizations whose objectives are as diverse as the islands themselves. The Association of Reef Keepers (ARK) trains GoBeyond students to tag and release sea turtles for an international monitoring initiative. On the environmental side, we team up with the BVI National Parks Trust in a long term eﬀort to replant Tortola’s decimated mangrove forests and remove trash from the beaches. We also partner with schools, youth organizations, and community centers to facilitate activities and programs for local children. The service work often jumps around as much as we do since the community needs change faster than the Caribbean weather. With several projects happening in multiple locations, GoBeyond students have the flexibility to lend a helping hand wherever the wind may take them.

INFO @ GOBEYONDTRAVEL.COM

Life Aboard & Shore Excursions Experience the life of a sailor as you navigate your new floating home from one fascinating island to another. You’ll rotate through each responsibility onboard from chef to skipper and learn how to care for the crew that quickly becomes a second family. It’s not all about the journey though - you’ll explore the Caribbean oﬀ the beaten path and get to know this magnificent corner of the world better than any tourist. You’ll get to climb isolated peaks, explore remote beaches, and snorkel pristine reefs.

For a detailed journey timeline, visit www.gobeyondtravel.com

British Virgin Islands Rebuilding Island Life A small archipelago in the heart of the Caribbean, the British Virgin Islands sustained a direct hit from Hurricane Irma in the fall of 2017. Few people get to see this place beyond its beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters but you’ll spend 2-3 weeks working directly with the local population to rebuild the communities left bruised by the storm. This special land-based program allows students to respond directly to local needs and show the people of the Caribbean that they have not been forgotten.

Service / Focus HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION WILDLIFE STEWARDSHIP LANGUAGE IMMERSION

Adventure CULTURAL EXPLORATION HIKING & WALKING TOURS WATER SPORTS

Days

Service

Ages

Group Size

14, 17 & 21

70, 80 & 100 hours

14 - 18

14 typical

LAND SPORTS

Environment URBAN RURAL MOUNTAINS OCEAN

For dates & tuition fees, please see insert.

RAINFOREST +1.941.924.2115

800.808.2115

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS REBUILDING ISLAND LIFE

The Need We Address On September 6th, 2017, Hurricane Irma made landfall in the territory and damaged much of the infrastructure across the islands. After the storm passed, the people of the islands emerged determined to rebuild their country and have asked for all the help they can get in the process. As a home base for GoBeyond, we want to help our neighbors and friends rebuild. We’ll travel across the three major islands of the BVI to help wherever we can, with projects focusing on areas that are less likely to receive attention from government and relief organizations over the next few years. There will be ongoing projects in the BVIs for some time to come and as the wants and needs of the people on the ground change, our resolve to lend a helping hand will remain constant.

Work Hard, Play Hard There’s an immense amount of satisfaction to be gained in seeing a project through from beginning to end, but all work and no play is bound to diminish that good feeling. We’ll break apart the hard work with snorkeling, hiking, bonfires, and just messing around on the beach.

Rebuild, Revitalize, Repeat Underneath the rubble lies a world of opportunity. With many wooden homes and buildings being marked as complete losses, the process of rebuilding gives us the chance to make things better than they were before. Woodwork, painting, pouring concrete, and moving earth are all needs for the foreseeable future. We’ll lend our hearts, hands, and focus to ensure that no corners are cut and that the structures of the BVI will be better suited for the next generation.

“It’s definitely something I will never forget, and I will always keep with me. Not only did I connect with people and make new friends, but I also got the chance to give back to the community and feel like I was making a diﬀerence in other people’s lives and their community around them.” GIGI R. GIG HARBOR, WA

INFO @ GOBEYONDTRAVEL.COM

Have questions? Give us a call at +1.941.924.2115

China Orphans Of Beĳing Travel through China and make a diﬀerence in the lives of those who, by no fault of their own, have been left behind. You’ll lend your heart, hands and mind to ensure these children have a meaningful and happy future. When you’re not changing their lives, change your own through deep exposure to Chinese culture. You’ll experience dazzling martial arts demonstrations, calligraphy classes, and traditional cooking lessons. You’ll also learn how the modern world interacts with ancient history at the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and more.

Service / Focus HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION WILDLIFE STEWARDSHIP LANGUAGE IMMERSION

Adventure CULTURAL EXPLORATION HIKING & WALKING TOURS WATER SPORTS

Days

Service

Ages

Group Size

100 hours

14 - 18

12 typical

LAND SPORTS

Environment URBAN RURAL MOUNTAINS OCEAN

For dates & tuition fees, visit gobeyondtravel.com

RAINFOREST +1.941.924.2115

800.808.2115

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS ORPHANS OF BEIJING

The Need We Address Although China has made huge strides in economic development over the last thirty years, it remains a relatively poor country. The population, at 1.3 billion, is enormous, and the number of poor is staggering. There is almost no financial help from the government for medical care or for the poor who want to raise their own families. In order to alleviate some of the economic problems, the government introduced the “One-Child Policy” in 1979 and oﬃcially restricted the number of children married couples could have. As a result, many children, especially the disabled, were abandoned. In China, we partner with the Little Flower Foundation to assist with their disabled orphan programs. The infant homes provide intensive care to babies who have complex medical needs. We focus on caring for babies born prematurely, those with club feet, and babies with birth defects or illness. The babies stay with Little Flower until they are strong enough to join families of their own. In addition, we work with group homes that allow physically disabled school age orphans to live in a supportive family environment while attending school and acquiring life skills that will allow them to one day live independently. Children with a wide range of physical disabilities are nurtured, including spina bifida, cerebral palsy, limb deformities, speech diﬃculties, deafness and visual impairment.

INFO @ GOBEYONDTRAVEL.COM

Beĳing, Shanxi & Xi’an Excursions & Cultural Classes Tour Beĳing’s great attractions including the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and more. Gain insight into China’s rich history through a mix of cultural classes, including martial arts demonstrations, calligraphy classes, tea ceremonies, and cooking lessons. Embark on an exciting adventure to Shanxi Province to gaze at the famed Buddhist Caves and Hanging Monastery. Explore the famous Army of the Terracotta Warriors, bike Xi’an’s historic wall – taking in sweeping views of the city – then practice your bargaining skills while shopping for handicrafts at Xi’an’s famous Muslim Street.

Have questions? Give us a call at +1.941.924.2115

Costa Rica Pura Vida Experience From the moment you arrive in San Jose, you’ll become a part of Costa Rica forever. Leave your mark on the lush, yet underprivileged countryside by building community infrastructure, protecting the environment, painting murals, and participating in cross-cultural seminars. You’ll find it impossible to forget Costa Rica’s natural beauty as you traverse the Pacific coast, hike through dense tropical rainforests, observe incredible wildlife, and much more.

Service / Focus HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION WILDLIFE STEWARDSHIP LANGUAGE IMMERSION

Adventure CULTURAL EXPLORATION HIKING & WALKING TOURS

Days

Service

Ages

Group Size

WATER SPORTS

50 hours

14 - 18

12 typical

LAND SPORTS

Environment URBAN RURAL MOUNTAINS OCEAN

For dates & tuition fees, please see insert.

RAINFOREST +1.941.924.2115

800.808.2115

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS PURA VIDA EXPERIENCE

Community Service In Rio Claro Learn about and contribute to projects serving rural schools and family centers in southern Costa Rica through the Humanitarian Foundation. Although Costa Rica – by Central American standards – is a relatively wealthy country that spends a large part of its revenue on education, the schools out in the countryside are often underserved and don’t have finances to build classrooms, provide material or give English classes. Your work in the Rio Claro area helps provide cultural exchanges, promote reading, and upgrade physical infrastructure.

Adventure & Exploration Down The Pacific Coast Travel by bus through lush forests and dramatic mountain landscapes to the beautiful beaches of Manuel Antonio on the Pacific coast. While meandering down the coast towards the Rio Claro community, spend time hiking through tropical forests, exploring beaches, whitewater rafting, and observing the extravagant wildlife. Head oﬀshore on a boat tour exploring caverns, spotting dolphins, and snorkeling with sea turtles. Venture oﬀ the beaten track to visit indigenous reservations such as Rincon Ecologico Cultural Terraba.

“The best parts of a trip with GoBeyond are the positive feelings the students gain about themselves and the awareness of the world around them.” CYNTHIA V. CONCORD, MA

INFO @ GOBEYONDTRAVEL.COM

For a detailed journey timeline, visit www.gobeyondtravel.com

Costa Rica Coast To Coast Immersion Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica is one of the most biologically and culturally diverse countries in the world. From the city to the countryside, you’ll work to alleviate problems in impoverished Central Valley communities while empowering local children through education. This unique corner of the world will heighten your sense of adventure through zip-lining, horseback riding, and participating in traditional indigenous ceremonies.

Service / Focus HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION WILDLIFE STEWARDSHIP LANGUAGE IMMERSION

Adventure CULTURAL EXPLORATION HIKING & WALKING TOURS

Days

Service

Ages

Group Size

WATER SPORTS

100 hours

14 - 18

12 typical

LAND SPORTS

Environment URBAN RURAL MOUNTAINS OCEAN

For dates & tuition fees, visit gobeyondtravel.com

RAINFOREST +1.941.924.2115

800.808.2115

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS COAST TO COAST IMMERSION

The Need We Address Children come running out from under the four lane highway bridge that they call home to hug Giselle when she arrives. When working in the vast poor community of La Carpio, you’ll find Giselle helping doctors provide aid to children in her community clinic. Tomorrow, she’ll stop by the soup kitchen to visit with the homeless, donating both her time and energy to ensure that all are fed. This might be quite enough for one person, yet the elderly also know Giselle. Even the toughest street kids in Costa Rica’s capital, San José, will smile and shake your hand when they hear “Amigo de Giselle!”…”If she’s your friend, I’m your friend too!” Giselle is actually Gail Nystrom, an ex-Peace Corps worker who went home to Colorado when her volunteer time was up, yet returned to Costa Rica less than a year later to follow her heart. Gail is both founder and director of the Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation (CRHF), an organization committed to making a real diﬀerence with real people. That’s the first, second and third priority of Gail’s mission, and her foundation currently supports more than fifty projects. During the GoBeyond Costa Rica journey, students have the opportunity to work alongside Gail in many of the diﬀerent humanitarian projects with which she is involved. The core of our activities typically includes construction projects, such as a playground, community center, library building or home. We also spend a lot of time interacting with local children at schools, retreat and family centers.

INFO @ GOBEYONDTRAVEL.COM

Adventure Sports, Wildlife Watching & Exploration Balance your community service time with exhilarating adventure activities. Costa Rica is world renowned for its natural wonders, many of which are best explored by foot, horseback, whitewater raft, and even zip-line. Whether spotting monkeys while rafting class II to IV rapids on the Pacuare River, learning about domestic animals and farming techniques while trotting the countryside on horseback, or marveling at a seemingly unending array of birdlife while zip-lining through the rainforest canopy, these adventure activities are sure to leave you breathless.

“I have never had a better experience in my life. You get to meet people from all over the world and make life long friends while doing community service and having fun all at the same time.” RICK K. PARADISE VALLEY, AZ

Join in the conversation at www.facebook.com/GoBeyondStudentTravel

Galapagos & Ecuador Islands, Andes & Amazon Though the second-smallest country in South America, Ecuador rightfully boasts the title of one of the world’s few “megadiverse” countries. From lush rainforests to windswept mountain tops, and from the international city center to the remote desert islands of the Galapagos, Ecuador will show you an interconnectedness you never thought possible. Explore the Andes on horseback, snorkel face-to-face with sea lions, and work with the endangered Galapagos tortoise while finding time to give back to the threatened people and ecosystems of this remarkable country.

Service / Focus HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION WILDLIFE STEWARDSHIP LANGUAGE IMMERSION

Adventure CULTURAL EXPLORATION HIKING & WALKING TOURS WATER SPORTS LAND SPORTS

Days

Service

Ages

Group Size

40 hours

14 - 18

10 typical

Environment URBAN RURAL MOUNTAINS OCEAN

For dates & tuition fees, please see insert.

RAINFOREST +1.941.924.2115

800.808.2115

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS ISLANDS, ANDES & AMAZON

Galapagos & Amazon Community Service Lend a hand to conservation service projects with local non-profit organizations. Projects may include removing invasive species, planting native trees, beach clean-ups, and educational initiatives for local children. Also work with Sumak Allpa on critical education and conservation projects in the Amazon. When your work is done, kick back and have some fun while playing soccer with local children.

Amazon Rainforest Exploration Stay in a traditional ecolodge while touring and learning about the incredible biodiversity of the rainforest. Cameras do not stop clicking with the sighting of monkeys, caimans, parrots, macaws, frogs, snakes, and insects of all shapes and colors. Activities include fishing for piranhas, hunting (spear and blowgun) demonstrations, and visiting indigenous communities and markets.

INFO @ GOBEYONDTRAVEL.COM

Galapagos Touring & Andean Adventure Sports Embark on breathtaking nature tours and visit some of the “jewel” islands of the Galapagos. Getting up close and personal with the Galapagos’ fearless creatures truly makes this experience one-of-a-kind. On the Ecuadorian mainland, get your blood pumping while hiking the breathtaking Quilotoa Crater or rafting through the cloud forests of the Rio Toachi. After our enlightening excursions, leave Ecuador with a feeling of awe, not just for the sights and sounds of this beautiful country, but also for the meaningful work you’ve accomplished.

“Our daughter came back from the Galapagos brimming with confidence and a changed view of the world. I would recommend GoBeyond to everyone I know.” JILL D.

Have questions? Give us a call at +1.941.924.2115

ATLANTA, GA

Galapagos & Ecuador Protecting Darwin’s Discoveries Upon arrival in Quito, you’ll instantly realize how this incredible city manages to tie together Ecuador’s vastly disparate regions. As one of the most geographically diverse countries in the world, Ecuador faces an equally wide array of social and environmental challenges. As a volunteer, you’ll assist local organizations with beach clean ups, rid the environment of harmful invasive species, plant native trees, educate local children, and much more. Throughout this journey, you’ll get to take in the bountiful wildlife and immerse yourself in indigenous communities.

Service / Focus HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION WILDLIFE STEWARDSHIP LANGUAGE IMMERSION

Adventure CULTURAL EXPLORATION HIKING & WALKING TOURS WATER SPORTS LAND SPORTS

Days

Service

Ages

Group Size

80 hours

14 - 18

20 typical

Environment URBAN RURAL MOUNTAINS OCEAN

For dates & tuition fees, visit gobeyondtravel.com

RAINFOREST +1.941.924.2115

800.808.2115

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS PROTECTING DARWIN’S DISCOVERIES

The Need We Address Despite its small size, Ecuador is one of the most diverse countries in the whole world. Distinct regions and ecosystems – ranging from the Galapagos to the Amazon to the Andes – draw inherent divisions between numerous colorful and unique cultures. GoBeyond students explore all the best this country has to offer, yet focus their attention on community service with a singular goal in mind…defending at-risk ecosystems and people in need. Until the arrival of mankind in 1535, the Galapagos was the land where time stood still, but humans have changed the balance of natural selection since then. Today, there is a huge effort to reverse the effects of civilization. GoBeyond partners with Galapagos conservation organizations on projects that center around environmental health, environmental education, and assisting local schools.

Cultural Exploration & Adventure Sports Have unforgettable experiences with Galapagos wildlife, including close encounters with blue-footed boobies and albatrosses as they perform their intricate mating dances, snorkeling with sea lions, hammerhead sharks, penguins, and much more. Stay in a traditional ecolodge while touring and learning about the incredible biodiversity of the rainforest. Visit lively markets and enjoy some invigorating hiking and horseback riding against the backdrop of distant snow-capped volcanoes in the Andes Mountains.

In the Amazon, we work with the Sumak Allpa project to expand their ability to preserve and support endangered indigenous peoples and their culture, language, and traditional way of life. Equally as important, we dedicate time to restoring the environmental health of the seriously degraded jungle ecosystem and the wildlife that depend on it.

INFO @ GOBEYONDTRAVEL.COM

Iceland Inspiring Iceland Traverse this legendary landscape and leave forever inspired. Stroll amid active glaciers, bathe in steaming lagoons, feel the welcoming warmth of the local people, and swim the crystal clear water between continents. As the development of the outside world accelerates, the cinematic horizons of Iceland remain timeless – you’ll earn 30 hours of community service working to protect and restore the natural environment through reforestation and coastal cleanup projects. All while learning who you, and what the world, can be in the land of fire and ice.

Service / Focus HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION WILDLIFE STEWARDSHIP LANGUAGE IMMERSION

Adventure CULTURAL EXPLORATION HIKING & WALKING TOURS WATER SPORTS LAND SPORTS

Days

Service

Ages

Group Size

30 hours

14 - 18

12 typical

Environment URBAN RURAL MOUNTAINS OCEAN

For dates & tuition fees, please see insert.

RAINFOREST +1.941.924.2115

800.808.2115

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS INSPIRING ICELAND

The Need We Address Browse through photos of Iceland’s vast and dramatic vistas of beautifully open land and you might be surprised to learn that over a third of Iceland was once forestland. Today, a mere 2% of those forests remain… Dating back to the early agrarian settlers, human land use has greatly altered Iceland’s landscape over time. The once extensive birchwood forests have been replaced by agricultural land and grazing habitat – a double-edged sword as livestock feed on baby trees preventing any hope of forestland regeneration. Today, due to land use practices coupled with climate change and an exploding tourism industry, Iceland is seeing unprecedented pressure on its natural resources. It’s estimated that 40% of the land is now severely degraded.

Adventure Sports & Exploration Care for a swim between the Eurasian and North American continental plates? Want to strap on some crampons and take a hike on a retreating glacier, or get up close and personal with the majestic humpback whale? GoBeyond Iceland students are oﬀered the opportunity to do these things and more. Students spend many days exploring all the natural wonders this amazing country has to oﬀer, including a driving tour of the Golden Circle, snorkeling at the Silfra fissure, horseback riding, decompressing at the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, and a walking tour the quaint capital of Reykjavík.

GoBeyond Iceland oﬀers students a unique opportunity – not only to explore one of the world’s top nature destinations – but also to lend a hand to critical environmental initiatives for the good of its people. Working with local non-profits and governmental organizations, we seek to educate ourselves while making a diﬀerence through conservation and preservation projects.

INFO @ GOBEYONDTRAVEL.COM

Join in the conversation at www.facebook.com/GoBeyondStudentTravel

India Tibetan Village Experience Spend valuable time living and learning within the Tibetan refugee population of Dharamsala. You’ll be paired up with a Tibetan mutual learning partner (MLP) who will share firsthand knowledge of what life is really like on the fringe of civilization. It’s the most intimate exchange program there is - you’ll trade stories and experiences while providing meaningful social and educational services. You’ll also experience the sights and sounds of India through visits to New Delhi, Amritsar, and the Taj Mahal.

Service / Focus HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION WILDLIFE STEWARDSHIP LANGUAGE IMMERSION

Adventure CULTURAL EXPLORATION HIKING & WALKING TOURS WATER SPORTS

Days

Service

Ages

Group Size

100 hours

14 - 18

10 typical

LAND SPORTS

Environment URBAN RURAL MOUNTAINS OCEAN

For dates & tuition fees, visit gobeyondtravel.com

RAINFOREST +1.941.924.2115

800.808.2115

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS TIBETAN VILLAGE EXPERIENCE

The Need We Address Tibet is situated on the world’s highest plateau in the Himalayas – what is now present-day China. Long regarded as an independent and peaceful country, inhabited by people living in harmony with nature, Tibet became known to the outside world as “Shangri-La.” Sadly, the peace was not to last… Dharamsala, India, became the new home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in Exile in 1960 when the prime minister of India granted political asylum to Tibetans escaping Chinese rule. Since relocating to India, the Tibetan exiles have struggled to maintain their culture and identity. The mass movement has caused social and financial instability as transplanted families attempt to re-establish businesses, careers, and cultural harmony. Equally as challenging has been the cultural disconnectedness as Tibetans attempt to live and strive in the Indian culture, quite diﬀerent from their own.

Cultural Exploration Spend valuable time touring local attractions, including the Taj Mahal, the Golden Temple, the Norbulingka Institute, the Dalai Lama’s Temple, the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, the Central Tibetan Administration, Tibet Museum, Bhagsunath Village, Bhagsu waterfall, monasteries, and more. Gain insight into Tibet’s rich history through a mix of cultural classes, including lessons in language, music, cooking, yoga, and Buddhist philosophy. Meet prominent members of the Tibetan community and local NGOs.

While the Tibetan exile situation is a heated political issue, GoBeyond does not intend to incite political fervor but rather to help the children and families who are suﬀering in our world. We seek to share cultures and stories and broaden horizons through educational exchange programs. At the request of the Dalai Lama, Tibetans learn English to improve their lives in exile. Employment in India is diﬃcult without this skill, so we aid the Lha Charitable Trust as well as local children’s organizations in their mission to teach English to the Tibetan people.

INFO @ GOBEYONDTRAVEL.COM

For a detailed journey timeline, visit www.gobeyondtravel.com

Peru Footsteps Of The Inca Follow the path of one of mankind’s most powerful civilizations where ancient ruins and breathtaking vistas await you in the heart of the Peruvian landscape. Trek, raft, bike, and ride through the Sacred Valley while immersing yourself in Peruvian culture and tradition. You’ll break oﬀ the beaten path and gain an authentic understanding of the rugged yet quaint hills by spending 4 days on a guided trek through unforgettable backcountry. Spend some time learning about Peru’s fascinating history in rich cultural courses and earn 50 hours of community service by helping to nurture young minds and communities.

Service / Focus HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION WILDLIFE STEWARDSHIP LANGUAGE IMMERSION

Adventure CULTURAL EXPLORATION HIKING & WALKING TOURS WATER SPORTS LAND SPORTS

Days

Service

Ages

Group Size

50 hours

14 - 18

10 typical

Environment URBAN RURAL MOUNTAINS OCEAN

For dates & tuition fees, please see insert.

RAINFOREST +1.941.924.2115

800.808.2115

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS FOOTSTEPS OF THE INCA

Cuzco & Sacred Valley Community Service Work with Casa Mantay and the MySmallHelp charity organizations to assist at-risk, teen mothers and impoverished, rural communities. Help out with childcare, cooking, cleaning, construction, painting and building maintenance projects. Teach English and build confidence and skills in young mothers and children by playing games and leading arts and crafts activities.

Cultural Classes & Tours Gain insight into Peru’s rich history and customs through a mix of cultural classes. Activities include – but are not limited to – pottery demonstrations, textile workshops, honey/chocolate making, and cooking classes.

INFO @ GOBEYONDTRAVEL.COM

The Lares Trek & Adventure Sports Get your blood pumping while touring the land and seeing the historical sites via horseback, bike, whitewater raft, and paddle board. Arrive at sunrise, before the crowds, to tour “magical” Machu Picchu. Conquer the Lares Trek, an extended 4-day, 3-night hike in the Andes Mountains. Our adventure activities provide an incredible blend of rigorous challenge and serene relaxation to help students immerse themselves completely in Peruvian life and the timeless scenery of the mountains.

“This was an extremely rewarding, moving, and culturally immersive experience that impacted my view of the world - it was easily the highlight of my summer.” LOUISE B.

For a detailed journey timeline, visit www.gobeyondtravel.com

ASHEVILLE, NC

Peru Sacred Valley Service Making a lasting impact is no small feat, but on this journey that’s exactly what you’ll do. From childcare to construction, or from teaching English to cooking for the community, these projects are guaranteed to get your hands dirty in a meaningful way. Your stay in Peru wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the majestic high Andes and, of course, the iconic Machu Picchu. Over the course of the trip, you’ll gain intimate knowledge of the closing gap between Peru’s ancient customs and its modern reality.

Service / Focus HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION WILDLIFE STEWARDSHIP LANGUAGE IMMERSION

Adventure CULTURAL EXPLORATION HIKING & WALKING TOURS WATER SPORTS

Days

Service

Ages

Group Size

100 hours

14 - 18

18 typical

LAND SPORTS

Environment URBAN RURAL MOUNTAINS OCEAN

For dates & tuition fees, visit gobeyondtravel.com

RAINFOREST +1.941.924.2115

800.808.2115

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS SACRED VALLEY SERVICE

The Need We Address Behind the beaten path of Peruvian tourist attractions live struggling children and families often unnoticed in the eyes of the tourist. It is here that GoBeyond students engage their hearts, hands and minds. At the Cuzco center for teenage mothers, known as Casa Mantay, founders Raquel and Sergio work to arm single, adolescent mothers with the skills needed to succeed in their future. At the Mother Teresa Orphanage in Cuzco, the nuns of Calcutta work tirelessly to provide a loving environment for the severely disabled, both young and old. Equally as important, the MySmallHelp charity organization in Ollantaytambo relieves poverty through the provision of education and skills training to people who otherwise would not have access to such programs.

Adventure Sports & Exploration In The Sacred Valley GoBeyond students work hard, but also play hard. Get your blood pumping while touring the land and seeing the historical sites via horseback, bike, whitewater raft, and paddle board. Arrive at sunrise, before the crowds, to tour “magical” Machu Picchu. Gain insight into Peru’s rich history and customs through a mix of cultural classes. Activities include – but are not limited to – pottery demonstrations, textile workshops, honey/chocolate making, and cooking classes.

GoBeyond students assist organizations like these in a number of ways. We help out with childcare, cooking, cleaning, construction, painting and building maintenance projects. We teach English and build confidence and skills in young mothers and children by playing games and leading arts and crafts activities. Our support gets projects oﬀ the ground and invests in the dreams of local leaders. Most importantly, we have the chance to explore in greater depth the culture of the local communities and learn from them in ways we never knew imaginable.

INFO @ GOBEYONDTRAVEL.COM

Have questions? Give us a call at +1.941.924.2115

Spain Real España Discover a new version of yourself in the Old World. Castles, cuisine, and cathedrals provide an astonishing backdrop for this accelerated immersive language and culture expedition. Survey the cities, traverse the plains, and hike the Sierra Nevadas of southern Spain while making authentic connections with Andalusian culture and people. In the shadow of the legendary Alhambra fortress, you’ll work your way through encapsulating language, music and dance courses. Viva adventure, viva Espana!

Service / Focus HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION WILDLIFE STEWARDSHIP LANGUAGE IMMERSION

Adventure CULTURAL EXPLORATION HIKING & WALKING TOURS WATER SPORTS

Days

Service

Ages

Group Size

10 hours

14 - 18

10 typical

LAND SPORTS

Environment URBAN RURAL MOUNTAINS OCEAN

For dates & tuition fees, please see insert.

RAINFOREST +1.941.924.2115

800.808.2115

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS REAL ESPAÑA

Language, Flamenco & Cultural Immersion Students spend the majority of their trip in Granada, arguably the single most enriching city in Spain for students. Teeming with history and culture – distinguished for its laid-back, youthful and vibrant educational atmosphere thanks to the nearby university – Granada oﬀers the perfect setting for our language and cultural immersion program. Partnering with the oldest language school in the area, students go beyond the typical tourist experience by engaging in an intensive language course, flamenco and cultural classes, as well as a homestay – all while exploring Granada’s charming plazas, white-washed streets, and historical monuments.

Seville Sightseeing & Sierra Nevada Adventure A must-see for every Andalusian visitor, students spend two memorable days in beloved Seville. This city of 700,000 oﬀers everything from jaw-dropping architectural sites to quiet, winding, maze-like neighborhoods to a worldrenowned food scene and more. As a much-earned break from class and the heat of Seville and Granada, students also head south into the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains to get a taste for the adventurous side of southern Spain. Students get their blood pumping while exploring the National Park, canyoning, and waterfall rappelling.

“The best part of GoBeyond was everything that was packed into our schedule. I did so much on the trip while still having time to relax and just enjoy where I was and chilling with my new friends.” ETHAN M. MERION STATION, PA

INFO @ GOBEYONDTRAVEL.COM

For a detailed journey timeline, visit www.gobeyondtravel.com

Sri Lanka Plight Of The Elephants Journey deep into the heart of this magnificent landscape to get up close and personal with the habitat of the world’s largest land animal. You’ll join a multitude of ongoing research, outreach and conservation eﬀorts in the areas around Wasgamuwa National Park to ensure a future for the Sri Lankan Elephant and the people with which they coexist. Immerse yourself in one of the world’s most vibrant cultures, change your outlook and gain real-world experience in this captivatingly authentic opportunity to give back in a big way.

Service / Focus HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION WILDLIFE STEWARDSHIP LANGUAGE IMMERSION

Adventure CULTURAL EXPLORATION HIKING & WALKING TOURS WATER SPORTS

Days

Service

Ages

Group Size

50 hours

14 - 18

10 typical

LAND SPORTS

Environment URBAN RURAL MOUNTAINS OCEAN

For dates & tuition fees, visit gobeyondtravel.com

RAINFOREST +1.941.924.2115

800.808.2115

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS PLIGHT OF THE ELEPHANTS

The Need We Address Imagine a time – merely a century ago – when more than 20,000 wild Asian elephants might have roamed the Sri Lankan countryside. Today, in this island nation, the population of Asia’s largest land animal is estimated at only 4,000. Listed as “endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Sri Lankan elephant faces many threats. At the core of the issue is the ever-increasing competition for resources between humans and elephants. Annually, elephants cause over $10 million worth of crop and property damage. Farmers whose livelihoods depend on agriculture resort to harsh retaliatory measures, feeding into a vicious cycle of violence. Each year, HEC accounts for an astonishing 50-80 human and 150-200 elephant deaths. Alarming, yes, yet human/elephant conflicts are tempered by passionate scientists, conservationists, and volunteers seeking novel solutions to the countryside’s problems. Through elephant behavior data collection, villager surveys, fence erection, as well as alternative crop production such as orange groves – undesirable to elephants – various conservation eﬀorts have made it possible for elephants and humans to live together in a region that used to be rife with conflicts. GoBeyond Sri Lanka oﬀers students a unique opportunity – not only to explore an up-and-coming traveler’s paradise – but also to lend a hand to critical conservation initiatives for the island’s extraordinary wildlife.

INFO @ GOBEYONDTRAVEL.COM

Cultural Exploration As a well-deserved break from the service work, students spend some time exploring the cultural centers of Sri Lanka as well as the southern hill country. Beginning in the sacred city of Kandy, students visit some of the area’s amazing markets, temples and museums including the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, believed to house Sri Lanka’s greatest religious relic – one of Buddha’s teeth. After an insightful guided tour, students journey south to Ella, traveling Sri Lankan style while catching a train through tea country for a plantation tour and tea tasting. No visit would be complete without a visit to Sigiriya and Anuradhapura, where ancient cities give travelers a glimpse into the distant past. Arguably the most dramatic archeological site, students visit the famed Lion’s Rock of Sigiriya for an early morning hike to its spectacular summit.

GoBeyond Staff GoBeyond is proud to attract and recruit the best in our field. Our summer staff are avid world travelers, who are highly qualified professionals, experienced facilitators and educators. All members of our team are fun, dynamic, multi-talented and passionate individuals with an unending devotion and commitment to the safety and experience of our students. Learn more about our incredible summer staff team online at www.gobeyondtravel.com Mike Meighan - Executive Director & Co-Founder

”

Thank you! Katy has had two wonderful trips with you. Both times she has returned absolutely glowing from the inside. She speaks so highly of her staﬀ. They sound like wonderful role models, teachers and friends. The opportunity to live in a group of peers in such close quarters teaches kids the values of flexibility, trust, laughter

”

and personal space in such a real way.

Margo S., Norwich, VT

Experiential educator and adventurer, British-born Mike Meighan developed a love for the outdoor and underwater world at an early age. He sailed the Mediterranean before entering Southampton University in the UK where he took a First Class Joint Honors degree in Oceanography and Marine Biology. In 1995, Mike joined the team as biologist, oceanographer and scuba instructor for ActionQuest, the teen sailing and scuba diving arm of Global Expeditions Group. His passion for experiential education led to the development of our accredited college-level program Sea|mester in 1998 and GoBeyond in 2002. Mike sails with our largest programs in the BVI during the summer and, throughout the rest of the year, lives in Sarasota with his family Jo, Joshua and Kai, where he directs GoBeyond, ActionQuest and Sea|mester.

Dan Meyer - Program & Operations Director

Dan has been active in the field of experiential education since 2000. Since that time, Dan has facilitated hundreds of groups and thousands of young adults as an environmental educator, a wilderness trail guide, a high and low ropes challenge course facilitator, a youth-at-risk counselor, and as an international service-adventure guide. Dan is a dedicated academic and holds his Masters in Experiential Education, and an avid traveler with countless stories from North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Dan first joined our team in 2007 as a guide for our Galapagos and Ecuador trips and is now responsible for the coordination of all operational aspects of our non-BVI high school programs. In his free time, Dan can be found spending quality time with his wife, Jenn, and son, Finn, while cooking, cycling, and exploring the mountains near his home in Longmont, Colorado. +1.941.924.2115

800.808.2115

Kyle Busacker - Enrollment Director

Having grown up in beautiful Bend Oregon, and further earning his degree as a Business and History student at the University of Oregon, Kyle was raised with the Pacific Northwest spirit to explore and find adventure. In the summer of 2006, Kyle became part of the ActionQuest, GoBeyond, and Sea|mester team in the British Virgin Islands and Caribbean Lesser Antilles. After taking a year’s hiatus in 2009 to work in the field of enrollment consulting services in Higher Education, Kyle brought his industry knowledge and deep-seeded passion for experiential education back to the Global Expeditions Group. Since his return, Kyle has run our west coast oﬃce in Portland, Oregon, overseeing our sales and marketing processes as our Director of Enrollment.

Travis Yates - Managing Operations Director

Travis joined our Caribbean programs in 1995 after graduating from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy with a degree in Marine Engineering. Always a sailor, Travis competed at both national and international levels, culminating in a bid for the U.S. Olympic Sailing Team in 1996. In addition to coordinating our worldwide sailing and diving programs, Travis works extensively with GoBeyond providing support and coordination for operations during the summer time. Travis lives in Sarasota with his wife, Laura, and children, Hannah and Luke.

”

GoBeyond’s emphasis on improving quality of life in poor communities as well as the focus on people and their interactions helped me learn and see so much. Working with the other students and staﬀ really showed me what a diﬀerence a few willing

”

people can make.

Sarah S., St. Louis, MO

Elliot Evins - Program Manager & Enrollment Advisor

Growing up in several contrasting parts of the United States, Elliot developed an appetite for travel and exploration at a young age. He fostered a passion for global service and socially responsible volunteering as a student with Global Expeditions Group during high school and university. This eventually brought him to a position leading programs in the same countries he originally experienced as a student. Elliot holds professional certifications in sailing, field research, and wilderness medicine that allow him to provide his students with the same incredible experience and lessons our programs gave him. When not running summer programs, Elliot works in the Sarasota, Florida GXG headquarters and spends his weekends sailing, producing music, or bumbling his way through ambitious do-it-yourself projects.

INFO @ GOBEYONDTRAVEL.COM

How To Enroll Enroll online at www.gobeyondtravel.com

Ready to join our team? Follow the steps below to start your incredible journey this summer! Select your journey

For dates, tuition fees, and additional program information, please visit www. gobeyondtravel.com. You may already know where you want to go, but feel free to give us a call or send us an e-mail if you need some help deciding.

Complete the online application form

Go to www.gobeyondtravel.com, click on “Enroll Now” at the top of the page and follow the simple steps. Once the online form is completed, you will receive an e-mail confirming its submission. Be sure to print your application and have a parent or guardian sign it before mailing it to our office. If you have issues with the online format, please contact our office. After we receive your application, we will contact you if we have any questions or concerns and to confirm official acceptance.

Complete the pre-trip planning steps

Upon enrollment, you will receive access to our online Participant Portal. By late March, we will post our comprehensive Pre-Trip Packet via the Portal, along with any necessary pre-trip forms. Please read through the information carefully, follow the instructions, and return the necessary forms to our oﬃce.

Book your flight and you’re ready to go!

Please visit the About Travel page (under Plan & Enroll section) of our website to learn more. Contact our travel coordinator to book your flight, and you’re ready to go!

FOR DATES AND TUITION FEES, GO TO WWW.GOBEYONDTRAVEL.COM GoBeyond P.O. Box 5517 Sarasota, Florida 34277 USA

info@gobeyondtravel.com Tel: +1.941.924.2115 Fax: +1.941.924.6075

+1.941.924.2115

800.808.2115

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DEVIN WILSON, DAN MEYER, ELLIOT EVINS, WEN KING, ASHLEY HAMILTON & OTHER GOBEYOND STAFF AND STUDENTS.

Transforming communities, environments, and studentsâ€™ lives through meaningful cross-cultural service adventures.

WW W.G O B EYO NDTRAVEL .C O M P.O. Box 5517, Sarasota, FL 34277, USA

T: +1.941.924.2115

F: +1.941.924.6075

E: info@gobeyondtravel.com